When Can You Put Lotion on a Baby?

Despite the silky nature of newborn skin, babies can experience dry skin and can also develop a variety of skin ailments from dryness to rashes. it’s important to know what products are healthy to use and when you can put lotion on your newborn baby’s skin.

Newborns' immune systems develop in their early months. Newborn skin needs dye-free, fragrance free baby skincare products.

Understanding Newborn Skin

According to Kaiser Pemanente, many newborns usually will not need to use a moisturizer. Newborns may have peeling skin but this is normal, and finding the best lotion for their needs will help. If it seems like your baby suffers from dry skin or eczema, a moisturizer should be used. Your baby can also develop dry patches that may go away on their own but if dry skin persists, we recommend consulting your physician before starting any skin regimen on your baby, especially if you’re treating a skin condition. A study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology found that infants with a daily application of moisturizer had a 32 percent risk for developing eczema compared to 47 percent of the control group.

If you get the okay to start using lotion on your newborn, we always recommend organic products, and definitely ones that don’t contain any synthetic dyes or fragrances, as baby’s skin is very sensitive. As a way to stay on top of your baby’s dry skin, it’s always helpful to carry a travel-sized lotion around as well.

Benefits of Erbaviva Organic Lotion

Erbaviva offers a variety of moisturizers formulated for baby. When choosing which type of moisturizer to use, it can depend on the desired consistency and level of hydration needed. When comparing Erbaviva’s baby moisturizers, the lotion would be the lightest, followed by the cream, then the butter and balm, with the oil being the heaviest and providing the most moisture.

Easy to apply, Erbaviva's Baby Lotion is carefully crafted with natural emulsifiers and organic oils to moisturize sensitive skin. It's scented with a custom blend of mandarin and chamomile essential oils.

Erbaviva's organic baby butter cream is crafted with fair trade cocoa butter with calming oils of lavender and chamomile. the butter contains ingredients that deliver moisture and benefits to the skin. It’s also USDA Organic, which is a food grade certification where ingredients used are 95% certified organic, free from synthetic additives – this means it’s so clean that you can eat it!

If you're looking for deep hydration, check out the Baby Oil. It's perfect for a moisturizing massage and keeping skin balanced. It's infused with Vitamin E in a beneficial base of almond, jojoba, and safflower oils.

Why is my baby’s skin dry?

Don't worry if your newborn's skin looks dry and flaky—that's completely normal! Newborns have a thinner, more delicate skin barrier than older kids, making them more prone to losing moisture quickly. This can lead to dry, itchy, and peeling skin. Cold weather, low humidity, and dry indoor heating can all make your little one’s skin even drier.

Here are some ways to reduce dry skin on your baby:

• Try to limit the amount of baths you give your newborn because bathing dries out the skin. Because bathing dries the skin, moisturize after every bath.
• Avoid using drying soap while bathing your baby because this can further take moisture out from their skin.

So if your newborn is prone to dry skin, it is safe to use lotion to moisturize the skin unless otherwise directed by your physician. No matter what you use on your baby, just make sure it’s free from harmful ingredients! Read the label carefully and stick to natural and gentle products. Baby’s skin is not fully developed so it needs special care – don’t put anything on it that you don’t trust. Each baby is different and will react differently to products so be on the lookout for any irritation that may occur.

Essential Newborn Skin Care Tips

• Bathing

For the first few months, bathe your baby 2-3 times a week. Use lukewarm tap water with or without nondrying baby soap. Keep the water level below the navel until the umbilical cord falls off to prevent infection. Clean your baby’s face, hands, and genital area daily with warm water. Avoid using soap on the female genital area and always wipe front to back.

• Changing Diapers

Rinse your baby’s bottom with warm water after a soiled diaper. Use a wet washcloth or diaper wipe for wet diapers. Clean from front to back to avoid rashes and infections.

• Shampoo

Wash your baby’s hair once or twice a week with tear-free baby shampoo. The soft spot on the head is well protected, so don’t worry about hurting it.

• Lotions, Ointments, and Powder

Avoid using ointments or greasy substances on newborn skin. If the skin is dry, use baby lotion or moisturizing cream twice a day. Apply within 3 minutes after a bath to lock in moisture. Use cornstarch powder in areas of friction, but avoid talcum powder.

• Umbilical Cord

Keep the cord dry and apply rubbing alcohol to its base twice a day until a week after it falls off. Fold diapers below the cord area to expose it to air and keep it dry.

• Fingernails and Toenails

Trim toenails straight across and fingernails with rounded corners once a week after a bath. Use clippers or special baby scissors, preferably with help or while your baby is asleep.

Other Ways to Keep Your Baby’s Skin Healthy

Keeping your baby’s skin soft and healthy can be simple with a few easy steps. Brief and infrequent lukewarm baths followed by moisturizing are great starters. Here are some additional tips to ensure your baby’s skin stays soft and healthy:

• Skip the Bubble Baths. While bubble baths may seem fun, they often contain detergents that can strip your baby’s skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness.
• Pat, Don’t Rub. After a bath, gently pat your baby dry with a soft cotton towel. Rubbing can strip even more oils from their sensitive skin, causing irritation.
• Say No to Soap. Non-soap cleansers are a gentler alternative and less drying. Just be sure to choose a fragrance-free option to avoid irritation.
• Opt for Organic Cotton. Dress your baby in organic cotton after applying moisturizer. This helps lock in the moisture and prevents the moisturizer from rubbing off. Plus, 100% organic cotton is soft, breathable, and less likely to contain potential allergens or harmful chemicals. It’s perfect for your baby’s delicate skin.
• Use Skin-Friendly Sheets. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends soft cotton sheets, which breathe well and are less irritating to your baby’s skin. Consider using sheets that are 100% GOTS certified organic cotton for the best results.